‘We're open to creative suggestions’: Wauconda looking for new use for original village hall

The original Wauconda village hall is prominently located downtown and has views and access to Bangs Lake.

But the two-story structure built in 1907 requires more work than the village is willing to pay for to bring it up to speed. Proposals are being sought from qualified parties to buy the building at 100 N. Main St., and establish a new use.

Whether that means reusing the old building or tearing it down for something new on the site, either is fair game.

“Primarily, the building itself is for all practical purposes uninhabitable due to a variety of mechanical and structural issues,” said Trustee Tim Howe, a member of the village economic development commission.

The village doesn't want to spend the “significant resources” needed to redevelop or demolish the building, he added.

Village officials decided to go this route after learning that major work including a new roof, asbestos/lead abatement and demolishing a rear addition that can’t be salvaged would cost about $300,000, said Allison Matson, village administrator.

“The village doesn't have the money to make those repairs at this point,” she said. “We're hoping we'll get some interest.”

So, a request for proposals for an adaptive reuse of the building or “other productive use” of the site recently was made available on LinkedIn, the village’s website and other channels.

“We're open to creative suggestions,” Matson said. “It's a prominent building when you drive down the street but it needs a lot of work.”

What is known as the Citizens Activity Center served as the village hall until the 1970s until a new facility was built across the street. The police department occupied the building until 1991 and it became a community center.

It’s been vacant since last spring when the most recent occupant, the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce, moved to another building.

Howe said the village was having difficulty getting insurance for the building because of its condition.

“We're looking for a creative solution for what is a difficult situation,” he said.

He expected there to be demand from developers experienced with this type of property. While a proposal involving the existing building is less likely than demolition and construction of a new structure, Howe said he wouldn't rule it out and is keeping an open mind.

“You try not to make decisions on emotions and nostalgia,” he said.

The appraised value of the land is $232,000 and the building $41,000, according to Matson.

The sale price will be negotiable based on several factors including the proposal that is most advantageous to the village, according to the proposal documents.

A non-mandatory informational meeting and tour of the building is scheduled for Jan. 17. The deadline to submit proposals is Feb. 15.